Over 300 friends and supporters joined together for the 10th Annual CancerCare Walk/Run for Hope at Jennings Beach in Fairfield, Conn. on Sunday, September 11, 2016. The event raised more than $60,000 in support of CancerCare’s vital and free programs and services for those affected by cancer.
The men’s 5K winner, Omar Sawtos of Bridgeport, finished with a time of 19:03.35 and Audrey Carroll of Fairfield was the first female to cross the finish line with a time of 22:16.17. Susan Smirnoff of New York City, Diane Pincus of Bedford, NY, Erin Hunt of Norwalk, Kristie Kuhl of Fairfield and John DeMelis of Redding were the top individual fundraisers. Team Smirnoff, Pernod Ricard USA, Team Rosie, Kuhl & the Gang and Team EY were the highest team fundraisers.
State Representative J.P. Sredzinski (R-112) lent his support to the event. “It was my honor to support the mission of CancerCare, a worthy organization dedicated to assisting those affected by the horrible disease that is cancer. To all the runners, walkers, volunteers and more – thank you for all you do for our community and our state.” In the opening ceremonies, Lewis Cherniack of Stamford shared his moving story about how CancerCare’s services helped him cope after losing his wife to lung cancer 15 months ago. “During my visits there, I could not believe the wonderful support available. I was given free one-on-one counseling from an oncology social worker who was terrific.”
CancerCare is grateful to the Fairfield community, the many volunteers as well as the sponsors and community partners: Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Finn Partners, Genentech, Pernod Ricard USA, Tallman Segerson Builders, The Walking Company, Serendipity Magazine, TMK Sports & Entertainment, Fleet Feet Sports Stamford, The J House Greenwich, Lamar Advertising Company, American Medical Response, AT&T, Holiday Inn, Einstein Bros Bagels, O’Neill’s Pub and Restaurant, Party People Inc., sound RUNNER, Source Coffeehouse, The Pantry and Whole Foods Market Fairfield.
Founded in 1944, CancerCare is the leading national organization providing free, professional support services and information to help people manage the emotional, practical and financial challenges of cancer. Comprehensive services include counseling and support groups over the phone, online and in-person, educational workshops, publications and financial and co-payment assistance. All CancerCare services are provided by oncology social workers and world-leading cancer experts.
CancerCare programs and services help 180,000 people each year. The organization distributes 350,000 publications and welcomes 2.2 million website visits annually. In the past year, CancerCare provided nearly $13 million in financial assistance. The size and scope of CancerCare has grown tremendously since 1944, but it has never wavered from its mission of providing help and hope to people affected by cancer.
To learn more, visit www.cancercare.org or call 800-813-HOPE (4673).